Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. reproductive health issues voting record, September 26, 2002

Honorable Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Reproductive Health Issues Voting Record (1995 - Present) By my count, I have cast 125 abortion and family planning related votes since my election to Congress. There are so many deeply held views about the right of a woman to decide on the early termination of a pregnancy, that many of us are troubled by the seemingly irreconcilable differences. I support the Roe v. Wade decision, whereby the Supreme Court ruled a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion is included within her constitutional fundamental right of privacy. Following this decision, I will therefore consider those limitations on the right to an abortion procedure in certain circumstances in order to protect the life of the mother and the life of a viable fetus. I personally do not condone abortion as a means for birth control, for material comfort, or for mere convenience. In general, I support legislation which requires parental notification/consent for minors, the legal rights of the father, restricts public (Medicaid) financing, and bans on partial birth abortion with some exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother. I do believe, however, the decision for the early termination of a pregnancy or the later termination of a pregnancy jeopardizing the life or health of a woman is a profoundly personal one. It is certainly one to be made by the woman herself with the advice of her physician, spouse, and of those close to her. I do not, therefore, support legislation which would ban all abortions. I will examine each abortion-related issue on the merits, cast my vote, and communicate my positions accordingly. RLE, Jr. Reproductive Health Issues Voting Record (1995-2001) H:\WRITING\Memorandum\RLE Reproductive Health Votes (Final).wpd. Last updated September 26, 2002. 1